Good Things Watching Bad Coaching

GOOD THINGS I HAVE LEARNED ABOUT MINISTRY FROM WATCHING BAD COACHING.

I will be honest, it has been a long year watching my son play varsity basketball at this school.  While he has played since he was 5 years old, playing basketball in the Upward Program, and received a state ranking last summer. These last 8 months by far has been the most difficult year for him and as a family.  He has had a wide variety of coaches over the years, each with different styles and approaches.  This year has been a chance for me as a dad to teach and process leadership and manhood.  It has also been a chance for me to reflect on leadership and ministry.

Here are 10 good things I have learned about ministry from watching bad coaching…

• Encouragement Fuels Growth More Than Criticism – Just like athletes, people in ministry thrive when they’re built up, not torn down.

• Winning the Game Doesn’t Mean You’ve Won the Team – Some coaches cared more about the scoreboard than the players. In ministry, prioritizing numbers over discipleship leads to shallow faith.

• Clear Vision Brings Unity – Confusing play calls frustrate athletes. The same goes for ministry—if people don’t know the “why,” they won’t stay engaged in the “what.”

• Playing Favorites Weakens the Team – Coaches who only invested in the best players created division. In ministry, every person should feel equally valued and included.

• Rest and Renewal Are Essential – Overworked athletes burn out. Over-programmed ministry leads to exhausted leaders and disengaged people. Sabbath rhythms matter.

• One-Size-Fits-All Teaching Doesn’t Work – Some players need hands-on instruction; others learn by watching. Ministry should be adaptable, meeting everyone where they are.

• Fear-Based Leadership Kills Trust – Coaches who ruled by intimidation lost their players’ respect. Ministry thrives on relationships, not control.

• Failing Forward is Key to Growth – Coaches who punished mistakes stifled confidence. In ministry, teams need space to fail, learn, and keep going.

• Passion is More Contagious Than Pressure – The best coaches inspired love for the game. The best ministry leaders show that following Jesus is an adventure, not an obligation.

• The Bench Matters as Much as the Starters – Some coaches ignored non-starters. In ministry, the quiet, unnoticed volunteer leader are just as important as the upfront leaders.